Your Holiday. Your Retreat. Your Home in Nozawa Onsen.

welcome to nozawa onsen resort

Nozawa Onsen is the perfect blend of traditional Japanese ski resort that has retained it’s traditional soul, while also boasting world-class facilities and a fusion of Japanese family-run restaurants and western soul food. The village’s 13 neighborhoods (gumi) are organized around 13 free hot springs (soto-yu) and each community is responsible for cleaning onsen and looking after facilities in their neighborhood. 

nozawa onsen snow resort

A classic Japanese ski resort with a rich ski and Olympic history in a traditional hot spring village who's cultural heritage make it one of the premier winter destinations in Japan. The ski resort has a great variety of runs serviced by two gondolas and several zones to keep people busy for weeks. One of the unique aspects of Nozawa Onsen is that the top of the gondolas have a great beginner zone so the whole family can enjoy riding to the top, skiing together or splitting up and enjoying their favorite areas.

sidecountry & backcountry

If you like getting out of the lift lines and in to the deep, Nozawa Onsen has a lot of lift-accessed side-country as well as some backcountry zones to explore with an experienced guide. It's a serious mountain and every year ill-advised skiers or snowboarders are lost to the mountain due to accidents or going out alone in the backcountry. Always ride with friends and only go if you have backcountry equipment and the knowledge to use them and understand the always changing conditions.

ski & snowboard rentals

Yoji Nozawa works with several quality ski and snowboard rental shops in Nozawa Onsen. Discounts are available with pre-bookings and ski/snowboard storage is also available on the mountain for Yoji Nozawa guests who wish to leave gear on the mountain. Pricing varies depending on standard or performance gear and the number of days rented.

ski & snowboard lessons

Yoji Nozawa works with dedicated ski and snowboard lessons providing private lessons for guests. Lessons are for up to four persons at the discretion of the instructor and students should be of similar skill and fitness levels. Group lessons are also available through the Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort Ski School in English and Japanese. The Kids Park at Hikage Gondola has sledding and is a great place to hang out before or after lessons.

Winter life in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen in winter  world-class ski resort and traditional hot spring village. In the green season this outdoor playground has something for everyone from family fun to hiking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, swimming, golf and more.  Come for a weekend,  long-stay summer escape or working holi

snow clearing and water

Snow clearing and snow removal is no joke in Nozawa Onsen. Being part of the community means helping to clear snow from public hot springs, community centers bus stops and other community spaces. Guests will notice water flowing everywhere in the village and as Nozawa Onsen gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the world, the network of waterways are vital to melting snow and sending it down the valley to the Chikuma River.

the snow season

The ski season in Nozawa Onsen can start as early as late November and runs through the end of Golden Week (first week of May). The resort invested in snow making machines for the first time in 2020 to guarantee the resort opens on schedule and can stay open through spring. January is the busiest month but February is often the deepest part of the season with powder known to come as late as the first week in April, then then spring skiing conditions with the top open until the last day.

the village

Make sure you leave time to stroll the traditional village. There are temples, shrines, hot springs, foot baths, markets and much more. If you need a break from skiing you can try the stamp rally to learn more about the history of Nozawa Onsen or visit the Ski Museum and learn all about the ski history in Nozawa Onsen, the rich Olympic history (and local Olympians) and much more.

dosojin matsuri

January 15 is the most important day of the year for the men of Nozawa Onsen, especially for those whose is year it is to participate in this ancient rite of passage. The last couple years it has been a villagers-only event but visitors to the village been allowed to attend in the past. We ask all our guests to respect the traditions, respect the villagers day, enjoy the day but be respectful so others can continue to attend.

Nozawa onsen Hot Springs

Nozawa Onsen is as much a traditional onsen destination as a world-class snow resort. The free hot springs, foot baths and other great onsen nearby make Nozawa Onsen a great holiday throughout the year. Rejuvenate after a day on the slopes or cycling and trail running around Nozawa Onsen.

Nozawa Onsen Restaurant Guide

Nozawa Onsen has some great restaurants all within walking distance . There are traditional Japanese restaurants, craft beer, gyoza, ramen, pizza, Mexican, Italian, wine bars and more are just steps from Yoji Nozawa. Reservations are advised for groups of four or more in winter and we are happy to give advice for dietary needs or kid-frendly restaurants.

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BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY AT YOJI NOZAWA

Book your next Nozawa Onsen holidays at Yoji Nozawa for 2021 or 2022 to make sure you lock in your dates. Nozawa Onsen Ski Holidays, Summer Holidays, Remote Working Stays.

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